Do we like Narnia because it’s a great story or because CS Lewis is a Christian?

Now, I actually quite enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia. I’ve read them multiple times and found them enjoyable. In fact, I liked them before I was a Christian. But in the last few years, I’ve found a number of people who are starting to come out of the woodwork and saying something shocking: they don’t think these books are all that great. Today, Barnabas Piper and I reignite the controversy in part two of our conversation on Reading Writers as we discuss what he’s reading right now and whether or not Lewis is a really great storyteller.

Also in this episode, we discuss:

• What Barnabas thinks of Shakespeare;
• Whether C.S. Lewis is really that good of a storyteller; and
• The thing that frustrates Barnabas most about being asked for a book or movie recommendation.

Be sure to check out Barnabas’ new book, The Curious Christian (reviewed here), as well as The Happy Rant, his podcast co-hosted by Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin. And if you’re in the mood for a memoir, check out Russ Ramsey’s new one, Struck.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Reading Writers. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on iTunes. Your feedback really does help more people find the show. Tune in next time as I’m joined by Trevin Wax and we discuss cultural engagement and his man-crush on GK Chesterton.